To observe the seven days of the Feast and the Eighth Day that immediately follows, families gather in centralised locations for the entire festival. In the United Church of God, which produces Beyond Today magazine, members and their families travel to sites around the world to take part in the celebration. Large conference centres and facilities accommodate everyone so they can assemble together for daily worship services.

The Feast of Tabernacles focuses on a great time of spiritual renewal and a time of enjoyment with something for everyone, so daily services are centred around teaching the Word of God. Specifically, messages focus on the hope we have in the coming Kingdom of God and the role Christians play today in serving their King.

Because the Feast of Tabernacles occurs when vacations and school absences may not be common, members notify employers and schools well in advance of their plans. You can expect that the vast majority of teachers and employers will be cooperative and accommodating in the observance of the biblical festivals, especially in the United States.

In the rare instances of difficulty in getting off of work or school, or in countries where religious freedom isn’t guaranteed, you may have to take a stand for your beliefs. It’s only through trusting God and putting our trials into His hands that we experience the best blessings He has for our lives.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a special time that’s celebrated with great rejoicing. We’re told, “You shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40).

The Feast is a wonderful and exciting part of a Christian life. To learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles and how to observe the biblical festivals with the United Church of God, go to www.ucg.org/what-is-the-feast-of-tabernacles . You can also contact the United Church of God minister closest to you. He would be happy to tell you more about the Feast of Tabernacles.